Astragalus Extract May Help Balance Immune System After Exercise

Astragalus is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. A new study has found that astragalus extract may help restore balance to the immune system following strenuous exercise.

Eighteen members of the Polish Rowing Team participated in the study. They were given 500 mg of astragalus extract or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. They completed a 1.4-mile rowing test at the beginning and end of the study period. Blood samples were taken before the test, 1 minute after, and 24 hours after the test.

Participants in the astragalus group saw increases in levels of cytokines that regulate the immune system response, compared to a decrease in the placebo group. They also saw decreases in levels of cytokines that suppress the immune system response.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Physical Education in Poznań. It was published online ahead of print on July 16, 2021, in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.